Argentina’s President Javier Milei blasted Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a “thief” and a “convict” during a rally in São Paulo that opened Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign.
Without naming Lula directly, Milei attacked the Brazilian leader while standing beside Bolsonaro, adding that Bolsonaro was the only one capable of “stopping Lula”. The remarks came at a time when Brazil is preparing for a national election in October.
Brazil’s ministry of foreign affairs announced that it was recalling its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, in response to what it described as a grim affront to the country’s government, people and democracy.
In a statement posted later, Lula said he would continue to lead “without anyone’s interference”, stressing that Brazil would not tolerate “anyone sticking their nose where it does not belong”.
Milei had earlier attacked other high‑profile Brazilian figures, including Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him “bald trash”. That judge had earlier blocked Milei’s request to visit ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who has a 27‑year jail term for a coup attempt.
The incident illustrates the escalating diplomatic tension between Argentina and Brazil, each embroiled in internal political battles and a broader contest over regional influence.
